Agricultural Science Association to highlight Brexit fallout at conference

The Irish agrifood industry has found itself at the beginning of an unprecedented time of uncertainty as a direct result of Brexit.

Agricultural Science Association (ASA) president Neil Keane made the comment when announcing that two global experts will be among the speakers at its annual conference in Kilkenny in September.

US Department of Agriculture (USDA) chief economist, Dr Robert Johansson, and senior vice-president and chief communications officer at Intrexon Corporation, Jack Bobo, will address the delegates.

“The need to maximise available opportunities and minimise risks has never been more urgent,” said Mr Keane.

He noted that Robert Johansson, who will be making his first visit to Ireland, and Mr Bobo, a former senior US adviser in global food policy, will bring a significant level of economic and agrifood experience and insight to the programme.

The conference, which is supported by FBD, will focus on people, science and markets as the drivers of the Irish agrifood sector. It will take place on September 8 in the President’s Banquet and on September 9 in the Conference Centre at the Lyrath Estate Hotel in Kilkenny.

ASA has almost 1,600 members.